Forbein11
Well-Known Member
I could use some help sorting something out. I've brewed a hoppy amber ale that I would like to enter into a competition. I'm trying to decide what category to enter it in. It fits sort of into the pale ale cetegory and sort of into the American amber category. I've tried to look at the commercial examples to sort it out, but I am finding that they are not a great guide.
For example. The American amber guidelines for IBU's go to 40 max. However, many of the commercial examples cited show up on their respective websites as 50+. (eg. Northcaost Red Seal and Troegs Hopback amber).
This ale has some carmel flavor and is also hoppy. Beersmith has it at over 45IBU's.
How does one determine a category to place this in? Where I think it will do best? Do both and see how it fares in each? (That's 6 bottles though, 3 extra I don't get to drink).
And maybe more importantly, why do the commercial examples not match the style guidelines (maybe it's just because they are guidelines not absolutes)?
I'd like to get feedback but also for the beer to do well.
For example. The American amber guidelines for IBU's go to 40 max. However, many of the commercial examples cited show up on their respective websites as 50+. (eg. Northcaost Red Seal and Troegs Hopback amber).
This ale has some carmel flavor and is also hoppy. Beersmith has it at over 45IBU's.
How does one determine a category to place this in? Where I think it will do best? Do both and see how it fares in each? (That's 6 bottles though, 3 extra I don't get to drink).
And maybe more importantly, why do the commercial examples not match the style guidelines (maybe it's just because they are guidelines not absolutes)?
I'd like to get feedback but also for the beer to do well.